Building framing unit



Jan. 16, 1962 H. L. OWEN BUILDING FRAMING UNIT 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledJune 18, 1959 INVENTOR. HARRY L OWEN flaw ATTORNEY Jan. 16, 1962 H. L.OWEN 3,016,993

BUILDING FRAMING UNIT INVENiOR.

HARRY OWEN M ZMMW.

ATTORNEY Jan. 16, 1962 H. OWEN BUILDING FRAMING UNIT 5 Sheets-Sheet 3Filed June 18, 1959 INVENTOR. HARRY L. OWEN ATTORNEY Jan. 16, 1962 H. L.owEN 3,016,993

BUILDING FRAMING UNIT Filed June 18, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 /5a L M 40/62/5 20 E1 MENTOR HARRY OWEN ATTORNEY 3,016,993 Patented Jan. 16, 19623,016,993 F UELDING FRAMENG UNKT Harry L. Gwen, 997 Cedar St, Niles,Mich. Filed June 18, 1959,5 21'. No. 821,140 Claims. (Cl. 189-34) Thisinvention relates to building framing units, and more particularly tobuilding framing units designed for use in store fronts, buildingfacings and in what has come to be known as curtain wall construction.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a novel, simple andinexpensive building framing construction whose versatility for use indifferent applications and for use in connecting different buildingelements is great, and which can be assembled or erected rapidly andeasily.

A further object is to provide a structural unit of this charactercomprising a structural or frame element and moldings which snap intooperative position relative to said element and which are firmlyanchored but, nevertheless, readily removable.

A further object is to provide a construction of this character havingmoldings interlocked therewith and serving to position therebetweenpanels held in place at one surface thereof by glazing clips operativelypositioned by said moldings and confined within glazing material andheld at another surface by a flexible resilient strip positioned by amolding in contact with the surface of a panel, so that said panel isfree to rock relative to said molding.

A further object is to provide a building element with means toaccommodate locking of moldings and related parts thereto and providedwith grooves extending lengthwise thereof to accommodate bracketsinterconnecting adjacent angularly extending similar elements Withoutinterfering with interlock of moldings with said elements.

A further object is to provide a building element mountingpanel-retaining moldings by a snap interlock in which the partsinterlock at spaced parts thereof and independent of the panel to beretained.

A further object is to provide a building element to whichpanel-retaining moldings are secured by a novel dual interlock, in whichone interlock is resilient and another interlock is rigid, saidresilient interlock being positioned to form a fulcrum of said moldingupon exertion of pressure on said panel and said rigid interlockresisting movement of said molding relative to said fulcrum.

A further object is to provide a structural channel member adapted tosupport a molding with a snap interlock and usable individually orengageable with a similar channel member at multiple snap interlocks toform a rigid tubular structural element without the use of se curingmeans.

Other objects will be apparent from the following specification.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a transverse sectional view illustrating one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken on line 22 ofFIG. 3 and illustrating the use of a metal clip in the construction;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view of another em bodiment of theinvention designed to mount a thermal glass panel;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating another embodimentof the invention, mounting a door stop;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of the invention mounting a coverplate;

FIG. 7 is an isometric fragmentary view illustrating frame members of amodified embodiment of the invention interconnected with similar angularextending frame members;

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view illustrating the use of framemembers as shown in FIG. 7 for mounting a thin panel;

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view illustrating another use of theembodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8 to mount a thick panel;

FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view of another assembly using theembodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view illustrating another embodimentof the invention.

Referring to the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and particularly to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 thereof, thenumeral 10 designates a frame member formed of metal of substantiallyuniform wall thickness throughout and preferably of tubular or channelstock of substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. The framemember 10 is preferably provided with a pair of opposed substantiallyparallel plain walls 12 and with one or a pair of intervening walls 14.The walls 14 may be similar, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, with boththereof configured, or one wall 14 of a frame member may be configuredand the other may be plain. Similarly, it will be understood thatangularly disposed walls of a frame member may be configured, such astwo walls extending at right angles to each other.

In the form illustrated, each wall 14 has a pair of stepped portions 16preferably spaced equally from the longitudinal edges thereof anddefined in part by a beaded overhanging shoulder 18 at its outersurfaces. The stepped or shouldered portions 16 extend lengthwise of theframe member and inwardly projecting therefrom are longitudinal U-shapedchannel or inset portions 20. The channel portions 20 are preferablysimilar and symmetrical and are narrow and terminate with inner walls 22thereof spaced apart and extending outwardly to a wall portion 24 insetfrom the plane of the marginal wall portions 14' and preferably slightlyinset relative to the stepped portions 16. A pair of L-shaped hookmembers project outwardly at 26 from the central Wall portion 24 andextend lengthwise of the frame member, said portions 26 preferably beingspaced equally from the adjacent channel portions 22. The flanges 28 ofsaid L- shaped hook members 26 extend outwardly and oppositely andpreferably are similar in shape and size and are symmetrically arranged.Apertures 30 may be formed at spaced points in the frame member, as inthe bottom portions of the channel portions 22, each to accommodate theshank 32 of a securing member, such as a screw having a head 34positioned in said channel portion, as seen in FIG. 1. The shanks of thescrews are threaded into or otherwise secured to building framingmembers 35, as shown in FIG. 1. It will be understood that the securingmembers may constitute bolts or any other type of fastening means foranchoring member 10 to a supporting building structure.

The frame members 10 may be secured to a building to extend around anopening, such as a window opening, which is to be spanned by a panel orby a plurality of panels. In the latter case frame members may span theopening to form mullions or dividers. The frame members outlining anopening and those constituting dividers may be interconnected to definea rigid structure in the manner illustrated in FIG. 7 and as describedhereinafter.

In instances where the frame is to encircle a panel 40, such as a plateglass panel, two spaced positioning members or stop members 42 aremounted at the bottom frame member to support the bottom edge of suchpanel. The members 42 are preferably of T-shape in cross-section, as

illustrated, with a portion thereof fitting between the legs 26 of theL-shaped hook portions 23 and with a crosshead portion 44 overlying theflanges 28 and of a depth to position the panel-supporting surfacethereof in a plane above the plane of the top faces of walls 14 of saidbottom frame members. Members 42 are preferably formed of hard rubber,fiber, composition material or the like.

A pair of similar moldings extend full length of the panel-receivingopening along both faces of each margin :of the'pa'nel 40. The moldingsare preferably of the configuration shown in FIG. 1. Each molding ispreferably formed of metal, such as aluminum, oi substantially uniformwall thickness throughout. The moldings are preferably of substantiallyC-shape in cross-section with wall portions 46 from which substantiallyparallel leg portions 48 and 50'project in spaced relation. Outer legportion 50 extends full length of the molding and has an inset 52extending longitudinally thereof defining a shoulder and forming a partof a hook 54 shaped to fit snugly around the bead 18 and to underliesaid bead. An inwardly inclined flange 56 projects from hook 54. Leg 48extends full lengthof the molding, and is of a width to extend adjacentto or in engagement with the outer surface of the wall portion 24 offrame member 10, and has an elongated outturned foot or flange 58seating behind the hook flange 28 and with its free edge preferablyengaging the part 26 of said hook.

The wall 46 of each molding preferably projects beyond the leg 48 andterminates in a longitudinal angularly projecting flange 60 extendingfrom wall 46 in the same direction as leg 48. The leg 48 has projectingtherefrorn intermediate its width and in a direction away from leg 50and toward the panel 40 a flange of T-shaped crosssection having aportion 62 preferably substantially parallel to and spaced from the wall46 and flange 58 and across-plate 64 which terminates in a longitudinalangularly extending flange 66 projecting toward the panel 40.

The adjacent edges of the flange 60 and the cross-plate 64 are spaced toprovide a slot communicating with the space defined by the parts 46, 48,6t 62 and 64 for purposes to be'described.

Each of the molding parts will preferably have at least a measure ofresilience which will accommodate snapping thereof into interlockingsupported engagement upon the frame members 10. The interconnection ofthe parts iseffected by introducing the foot flange 58 of each moldinglaterally beneath the flange 28 of the hook 26, 2.8, with the outersurface of inclined or bevel flange 56 bearing on frame head 18, andthen pressing inwardly upon the molding leg 51) in the direction of itsplane. The inclined flange 56 rides over the bead 18 incident to suchpressure application until such time as the hook-forming or groovedportion 54 registers with said bead. At this time the shoulder part 52will preferably bear upon the wall portion 14 of the frame to provide atight continuous longitudinal seal or lock between the frame wall 14 andthe molding leg 50. Note that the interlock can be effectedindependently of panel 4%, that is, either with panel 40 in place or notin place.

A preformed elongated resilient sealing strip is interposed between theinner molding and the panel 40, said strip preferably being formed ofrubber, synthetic rubber or a yielding plastic material such as a vinylresin. The strip is preferably substantially T-shaped in cross-sectionalform, having a wide cross-head portion 70 thereof adapted to bearagainst the panel 40 and having a neck portion 72 of a thickness toextend through the passage between the molding parts 60 and 64 andterminating in an anchor portion 74 which preferably is of across-sectional configuration similar to an arrowhead, so as to provideshoulders to seat against the inner surfaces of the parts 60 and 64. Thethickness of the part 70 is preferably such as to bear firmly againstboth the panel 40 and the surface of the member 60. The exposed edge 71of said strip will preferably be inclined or beveled relative to moldingwall 46 and to panel 4%, as illustrated. Also, the strip will preferablynormally assume the position illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 1 priorto assembly of the parts including panel 46 into position, asillustrated in FIG. 1.

At the outer surface of each panel 4t}, metal clips 80, preferablyconstituting elongated bent spring strips, will be inserted betweenpanel 4t) and the outer molding at spaced points. The strips willnormally be configured substantially as illustrated in dotted lines inFIG. 3, so that they are flexed and deformed incident to insertion tothe position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. It will be observed in FIG. 2 thatmolding flange 66 forms a support for the spring 80, limiting itsinsertion into the groove between the panel and the molding and assuringpredetermined location thereof. Caulking material 82 is inserted betweenthe panel 4th and the outer molding, as illustrated in FIG. 1, after theclips 86* have been positioned, and such caulking material willpreferably flow around the lower flange portion 66 and into the slotbetween the molding parts 60 and 64, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

A r fidified form of molding useful for anchoring a thick panel, such asa thermal glass panel consisting of a pair of spaced glass panels 86having a marginal seal 88 therebetween, is illustrated in FIG. 4. Theprincipal difference in the moldings in F165. 1 and 4 is that the legportions 48 and 59 of the molding channels shown in FIG. 4 are slightlywider than the leg portions 48 and 50 of the molding channel shown inFIG. 1, and are preferably spaced apart a lesser distance to compensatefor the increase in overall thickness of the thermal panel 86, 88compared to the thickness of the thin or unit panel 40. Similarly, thepanel-supporting members 42 may have cross-head portion 44' wider thanthe head 44 of part 42 to accommodate the greater thickness of the thickpanel or thermal glass. The same association of parts thus exists in theconstruction for mounting a thick thermal glass panel as exists formounting a thin panel, and the same mode of assembly is practiced. Itmay also be mentioned that the purpose of the increased width of thelegs 48 and 5t) of the molding channel is to permit gripping of thermalpanels 86 spaced inwardly from their margins a distance greater than isshown in FIG. 1 and suflicient to insure against exposure to view of themarginal structural parts of the thermal panel, such as the interveningmarginal strip 83 between panes 86.

In the event it is desired to use the frame construction described abovefor the purpose of outlining a door opening provided with a door stop, aconstruction of the character illustrated in FIG. 5 may be employed. Inthis construction the stop molding is anchored by the frame member 16and is preferably of substantially uniform wall thickness throughout.The stop molding preferably includes a member of channel cross-sectionhaving a base or outer wall portion 99, a leg portion 92, a stepped wallportion 94, a second leg portion $6, and a wall portion 98 substantiallyparallel to the channel base 96 projecting from the free end of the leg96 in a direction away from leg 92. The wall 98 is preferably providedwith an inclined terminal flange 10% extending at an acute angle to thewall 98 and preferably is notched at 102 at its outer corner tointerlock with the bead 18 at one side of the frame member. Thearrangement is such that when the parts 162 and 18 interlock and thestop is operatively positioned, the outer face of the wall 98 will besubstantially flush with the outer faces of the walls 14 of frame member10. The leg 92 will preferably be provided with shoulder 104 at an insethook part 106 of U-shape having an outwardly facing groove adapted toreceive and interlock with the opposite head 18 of frame member 10. Aninclined flange 168 projects from the part 106, as shown, to accommodatea camming action deflecting the wall 92 incident to pressure thereon inits plane and at right angles to wall 9% to effect a snap lock of part106 with the adjacent molding bead 18. A portion 91 of the wall W of thestop overlies the stepped wall part 94 and carries an inturnedlongitudinal flange 11d aligned with the leg 96. A second inturnedflange portion 112 projects from and forms a continuation of the leg 96,there being a slot between the parts 110 and 112 which accommodatesanchorage of a resilient stop strip '70 of the same construction abovedescribed and illustrated in FIG. 1. The strip 7 in this instance formsa yielding sealing abutment for engagement with a door 114.

In the event a frame member if is to be used in such a position that aconfigured face thereof is exposed and such exposure is not desired, aface plate may be anchored thereto to present a flush smooth appearanceto the frame, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In such a construction the faceplate 120 has acute angle return bent inclined or convergently arrangedflanges 122 at its opposite margins, and its outer corner portions arenotched at 124. The plate 124) is of a width to span the inset part ofthe frame wall between and flush with parts 14 and is applied in placeby inward pressure guided by sliding of the inclined flanges 122 uponthe frame beads 18 until the notches 124 seat behind the beads 18 toeffect a snap lock.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the frame memberaccommodates attachment thereto of moldings, door stops, face plates,and other building elements, so that the frame members can be useduniversally to meet substantially all conditions and problems which areencountered. The snap lock of these elements provides a weather-tightseal at the joints between the same and the frame. Also, where required,molding members or other attachment members may carry yielding stripsadapted to engage panel members. These yielding strips may be preformedparts, such as the part 70, having some compressibility so that they maybe squeezed as applied in order to effect assured seal between themounting part and a panel or door. Thus, if any deviation occurs in thethickness of a panel or door, strips '70 will compensate therefor and atthe same time will effectively provide a water-tight seal between thepanel or door and the molding carrying said strips. The constructionalso permits removal of members assembled with or carried by the frameby a simple prying operation, as by prying under the shoulder 52 of amolding and thereby flexing the leg 56 to release the anchorage of parts54 and 56 at the bead members 18. This is accommodated in part by thecompressibility of the member 70. As a result of such removability itwill be apparent that the moldings or other members, such as door stopsor face plates employed in the device need not be anchored by the use ofsecuring screws. Instead, a continuous smooth decorative surface mayappear at allexposed parts, as at the exposed outer faces of the parts46 and 59 in FIG. 1, 46 and b in FIG. 4, N, 91, 98 and 92 in FIG. 5, and120 in FIG. 6.

A modified embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, 9and 10, and entails the use of a frame member 140 which is provided witha confiured wall having substantially the same configuration as theconfigured walls of the frame member described above, so that the samereference numerals will be applied thereto as are applied inidentification of the same parts in the previously described embodimentof the invention, and specifically parts 14, 16, 18, 2t 22, 24, 26 and28. A pair of longitudinal marginal flanges or legs 142 project from themarginal wall portions 1- of the frame member 141) preferably inparallel relation to each other and of substantially equal width. One ofthe legs 142 carries a longitudinally inturned flange 1 -3-4 preferablysubstantially parallel to marginal wall portion 14, and from this flangeprojects outwardly a longitudinal flange M6 substantially parallel toand inwardly offset from the adjacent marginal leg 142 and terminatingin a longitudinal rib 148 at its inner face. The opposite leg portion142 has projecting therefrom a flange 15d extending inwardly therefromin substantially parallel relation to the adjacent wall portion 14 andterminating in a longitudinal flange portion 152 at its inner endsubstantially parallel to adjacent leg 142 and having at its outer facea beveled surface terminating in a longitudinal outwardly projecting rib154. The parts are so proportioned that the spacing between the freeedge of each of the flanges 146 and 152 from the plane of the outerfaces of the wall portions 14 is equal. Likewise, the width of eachflange portion 146 is equal to the spacing of the plane common to theedges of flanges 146 and 152 from the free edge of the leg 142 fromwhich flange 150 projects. Likewise, the widths of the flanges 144 and150 are so correlated that when two similar frame members are assembledtogether, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the portions 148 and 154 of thecooperating frame members 14d will interengage and interlock as seen inFIG. 8. Such interlocking may be accommodated by a snap action incidentto riding of the shoulder 148 on the beveled edge of the flange 152 ofthe other part until the shouders 143 and 154 engage and interlock.

In order to effect an interlock as illustrated in FIG. 8, it isnecessary to provide means preventing lateral disengagement of theshoulders 148 and 154. For this purpose each frame member 140 ispreferably provided with two parallel flanges adjacent the centralport-ion thereof. As here shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, such flanges mayconsist of a flange 156 projecting from wall 24 spaced from the centerthereof and preferably substantially aligned with the shank 25 of one ofthe hook portions 26, 2.8. A second flange portion 158 is spaced fromthe longitudinal center of frame member 14% the same distance as flange156 and, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9,. preferably is aligned with theshank portion 26 of the other hook 26, 23 of the frame unit 140. Bothmembers 156 and 15% preferably extend longitudinally full length of theframe member 140, and the width of the flange member 156 will preferablybe such that its free edge lies in a plane common to the free edges ofthe flanges 146 an 152. Flange 156 preferably terminates in a beveledsurface tea at the margin thereof facing away from the flange 15S, andthis beveled surface is interrupted by a longitudinal notch 162 spaced aslight distance from the free edge of the flange 156. The flange 158 isof narrower width than flange 156 and terminates in a laterally oflsetportion 164 having a beveled marginal surface 165 at the face thereofconfronting the flange 15%. A groove 168 interrupts the beveled face166. The widths of the flanges 158 and 15d and the spacing of thenotches 162 and 168 from the wall 24 of the frame member, are socorrelated that when a pair of frame members 149 are placed inregistering relation with their flanges 1'56 and 158 extending in thedirection of each other, two interlocks will be provided between alignedflanges 156 and 158, as shown in FIG. 8, which interlocks are effectedat the same time that a snap lock is effected between the parts 148 and154, as seen in FIG. 8.

By virtue of the fact the interlocks between flanges 156 and 158 arelocated oppositely, relative lateral displacement of the two framesections 140 is prevented. At the same time the abutting edges of thelegs 142 of the assembled frame members l4tl, seen in FIG. 8, define acontinuous decorative longitudinal central groove in the assembledstructure which does not reveal the sectional character of the resultingtubular frame assembly, but when such edges are beveled, may providemeans to accommodate a prying tool to facilitate separation of theconstituent assembled frame members 144 It will be understood, also,that the frame members 140 need not be assembled in tubular form, butmay be used individually mounted upon a building structure 178 by meansof securing members 1'72, such as screws or bolts whose shanks extendthrough longitudinally spaced openings (not shown) in the wall 24 andwith the head portion 174 thereof seated in the recess between the hooklock portions 26, 28. In this instance the free edges of the flanges146, 152 and 156 will bear against the structural member 170 and acaulking compound 176 will fill the cavity at each side of thestructural member 140 between the building member 170 and the free edgeof the part or wall 142 at each margin of the member 140.

The manner in which the structural members or framing members, either ofthe type shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 or in the type shown in FIGS. '7 to 10,may be secured together in angularly extending relation to defineadjacent sides of a wall opening or to define interconnect-ion betweenmarginal frame members and division bars can be effected, is illustratedin FIG. 7. Angle members 18h fit in the channels 20 of angularlydisposed frame members, as seen in FIG. 7, and are secured therein bythe use of securing screws 182 extending therethrough and anchoring inthe channel part 2%. It will be understood, of course, that where adivision bar is entailed, the division bar will preferably be tubular inform, such as the frame member 10, or a tubular assembly as shown inFIG. 8 formed of two frame members 14% interlocked together. In suchinstances, each division bar may have angle members 180 secured theretoat opposite faces thereof and anchored to the adjacent angularlyextending frame me1n bers with which it is to be connected.

In instances where the frame members 140 are to be employed to form atube-type unit flat at three sides thereof and configured at only oneside or face thereof, an arrangement as shown in FIG. 10 may beemployed, using with a single frame member 14% a member 1% of the typehaving a flat or plain face member 1232 from which project marginalnarrow flanges 194 comparable to the flanges 142 of member 149.Similarly, beveled flange 196 may be provided comparable to the flange152 of the frame member 140 adapted to interlock with the stepped flange146, 148 of frame member 140. At its opposite margin each member 190 mayhave a stepped flange 1% adapted to interlock with flange 152 of framemember 140. Intermediate flanges 2M and 202 may be provided similar toflanges 156 and 158, respectively, of frame members 140 and adapted eachto interlock with one of said frame members 156, 158. In thisconstruction, as seen in FIG. 10, the spacing of the flanges 200 and 262will be symmetrical and equal to the spacing of the flanges 155 and 153,but such flanges may be aligned with Wall portions 22 of the frame 14%if desired instead of being more closely spaced as shown in FIG. 8.

It will be understood that the moldings described above will cooperatewith and have a snap interlock with frame units 140 just as saidmoldings interlock with frame members 10 as described above. Also, itwill be understood that advantage may be taken of different widths ofdiffer ent molding members for the purpose of accommodating panelmembers of different widths. Thus it will be apparent that the moldingmembers used at the opposite faces of a panel need not be of the samewidth and, in such cases, will accommodate panels of widths orthicknesses different than can be accommodated by the use of moldings ofthe same width. Also, it will be apparent that the larger the number ofdifferent widths of molding members provided, the greater will be therange of intermediate sizes or thicknesses of panels which can beaccommodated by using a molding of one width at one face of a panel anda molding of another width at the opposite face of the panel.

One important consideration of the snap lock of the molding on the framemembers is that a positive non-releasable lock occurs adjacent the panelbetween the hook 28 of the frame member and th foot or flange 5% of eachmolding, while the snap lock feature is remote from the panel and iseffected at the bead 18 of the frame member adjacent the side margin ofthe frame member. This is :an important consideration because anypressures acting if; upon the panel, such as wind pressure, which tendto pivot a molding, act in such a way that the fulcrum for such pivotingis the frame bead 18, but pivotal movement about that fulcrum ispositively prevented by the non-releasable interlock between the framehook 2.8 and the molding foot 58.

Another modified embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. ll.This construction is particularly adapted for use applied to a Wood orother framing member 22% mounted in the window opening of a building.The construction entails the use of an elongated frame member ofZ-section having a wall 224 bearing on the inner face of member 221 andsecured thereto by securing means 225, such as a screw. A longitudinalleg or flange 223 forms a part of member 222 and extends across theouter edge of member A longitudinal flange 23% forms a continuation ofleg 228 projecting inwardly from wall 224 and terminating inlongitudinal head or inturned flange 232. A longitudinal hook 234projects from wall 224 intermediate its width and terminates in a flange236 projecting angularly therefrom in the direction of the head 232.

From the marginal wall 224 opposite leg 223 a longitudinal wall 238projects into the window opening, preferably perpendicularly. Anintegral G-shaped longitudinal retainer is formed at the inner or freemargin of wall 238 and consists of spaced flanges 240 and 242. Theflanges 241i and 242 have terminal lips 241 and 243, respectively,extending in the direction of each other. The frame wall 224 also has alongitudinal flange 24-4 interposed between and spaced from hook 234 andwall 238.

Blocks 246 are carried by the bottom frame members 222 to support thebottom edge of a panel 248, such as a glass pane. An elongated strip 250of rubber or other resilient material has a longitudinal projection 252supported and confined by the retainer flanges 240, 242 and provides anabutment for one surface, preferably the inner surface, of panel 248. Amolding of the same construction as molding 46, 48, 50 of FIG. 1 isprovided with foot portion 58 interlocked with hook 234-, 235, and aspring latching part 54, 56 has a snap lock with bead 232. Caulkingmaterial 254, which may have a spring or springs similar to spring 8%)of FIG. 2 imbedded therein, effects a seal between the panel 24% and themolding 45, 48, 5%.

This construction has substantially the same advantage as theembodiments previously described. Thus the snap lock of the molding tothe frame is effected by the same arrangement and is releasable in thesame manner mentioned above, and the panel is spaced between the metalparts of the device and is engaged only by resilient member 25%,caulking material 254 and imbedded springs, if such are used, and by thebottom stops 24-5.

While the various embodiments of the invention here illustrated in whichmoldings are shown to anchor the margins of a panel member illustrate adifferent type of seal between the molding and the panel member at thetwo faces of the panel member, it will be understood that the same typeof seal may be employed at both of such faces. Thus a resilientpreformed seal, such as the sealing strip 78*, may be mounted at boththe inner and outer faces of the panel, or both the inner and outerfaces of the panel may be positioned by spring metal clips 8i) imbeddedin caulking material 82, if desired.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustratedand described, it will be understood that changes in the constructionmay be made within the scope of the appended claims without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A building framing unit comprising a plurality of angularly disposedelongated frame members outlining a building opening, each frame memberhaving an inner face interrupted by a longitudinal recess, a pluralityof longitudinal parallel interlock parts carried by each member at itsrecess, two of said interlock parts of each member constituting beads atopposite sides of said recess, angle members connecting adjacent framemembers, each angle member having a pair of legs seated in the recessesof adjacent frame members, and an attachment member carried by eachframe member and having a pair of spaced marginal longitudinalprojecting portions, each projecting portion having an interlock partcomplementary to one of the interlock parts of said frame member, andone thereof being engageable by a snap fit.

2. A building unit comprising a frame member having a face interruptedby a longitudinal recess having an inwardly projecting bead at each ofthe opposite sides thereof, a pair of hooks carried by said memberbetween said beads, a pair of moldings each having spaced inner andouter leg portions, said inner leg portion having a foot interlockingwith said hook and said outer leg portion having a snap lock with one ofsaid beads, the legs of each molding pressing outwardly against saidhook and bead when opera-tively mounted on said frame member, and panelpositioning means carried by each molding, each side of said framerecess having a step in parallel inwardly spaced relation to said beadand said outer molding leg portion including a bead-receiving groove andan inclined flange engaging said step.

3. A building unit comprising a frame member having a face interruptedby a longitudinal recess having an inwardly projecting bead at each ofthe opposite sides thereof, a pair of hooks carried by said memberbetween said beads, a pair of moldings each having spaced inner andouter leg portions, said inner leg portion having a foot interlockingwith said hook and said outer leg portion having a snap lock with one ofsaid beads, the legs of each molding pressing outwardly against saidhook and bead when operatively mounted on said frame member, and panelpositioning means carried by each molding, and a molding having alongitudinal socket open at its inner face, one of said panelpositioning means having a portion anchored in said socket.

4. A building unit comprising a frame member having a face interruptedby a longitudinal recess having an inwardly projecting bead at each ofthe opposite sides thereof, a pair of books carried by said memberbetween said beads, a pair of moldings each having spaced inner andouter leg portions, said inner leg portion having a foot interlockingwith said hook and said outer leg portion having a snap lock with one ofsaid beads, the legs of each molding pressing outwardly against saidhook and bead when operatively mounted on said frame member, and panelpositioning means carried by each molding, and a molding having alongitudinal socket open at its inner face, one of said panelpositioning means constituting a strip of resilent material having aportion anchored in said socket and a projecting portion engaging saidpanel.

5. A building unit comprising a frame member having a face interruptedby a longitudinal recess, a plurality of longitudinal spaced parallelinterlock parts carried by said member at said recess, at least one ofsaid interlock parts constituting a bead at a side of said recess, and amember having a pair of spaced marginal longitudinal portions, eachmarginal portion of said last named member having an interlock partcomplementary to one of the interlock parts of said frame member, atleast one interlock part of said last named member being resilient andhaving a releasable snap-fitting locking engagement with said framebead, said interlock parts of said frame and last named member havingfirm frictional engagement when interlocked, a second frame membersimilar to said first named frame member and extending at an anglethereto, one end of one frame member abutting the margins of therecessed face of the other frame member, and an angle member secured tosaid frame member and having a pair of legs seating in the recesses ofsaid frame members between the interlock parts of said last namedmember.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

